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Abstract:

An exterior siding mounting bracket assembly used in conjunction with
siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having
a mounting flange fastened to the sheathing and a water diversion fitting
also fastened to the sheathing and flashed in-part beneath the lower end
of the mounting flange. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward
from the mounting flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of
the bracket assembly has a partition arrangement that preferably snap
fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged
to substantially cover the water diversion fitting and the cut edges of
the siding that cover in-part the mounting flange. Preferably, the water
diversion fitting has an elongated drip edge spaced outwardly from the
siding to shed water collected from generally cascaded from the mounting
flange and outward from the siding.

Claims:

1.-10. (canceled)

11. A water diversion fitting of a mounting bracket assembly having a
mounting flange for being secured to a substantially vertical sheathing
of an exterior wall covered with siding, the water diversion fitting
comprising:a base plate having an upper flashing segment configured to be
disposed between the substructure and a lower edge of the mounting flange
and a lower segment extending downwardly from the upper flashing segment
and configured to be fastened the sheathing;an elongated shelf
longitudinally extending horizontally and projecting laterally outward
from the lower segment to a longitudinal drip edge configured to be
disposed outward from the siding; anda first end dam and an opposite
second end dam orientated at opposite ends of the shelf and connected
between the shelf and the base plate for channeling water over the drip
edge.

12. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 11 wherein the shelf is
at least partially sloped laterally downward to the drip edge.

13. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 11 further comprising
oppositely sloped wings projecting outward from the base plate and below
the lower edge for cascading water upon the shelf.

14. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 13 wherein the
oppositely sloped wings are contiguous to the respective first and second
end dams.

15. A method of installing a mounting bracket assembly comprising the
steps of:removing a bottom portion of an otherwise continuous mounting
flange of a base member;placing a formed lower edge of the base member
over a flashing portion of a water diversion fitting; andsecuring the
mounting flange and the water diversion fitting to sheathing of a
vertical wall.

16. The method of installing the mounting bracket assembly comprising the
further step of securing siding to the sheathing and over the secured
mounting flange.

17. The method of installing the mounting bracket assembly comprising the
further step of covering cut ends of the siding and covering the water
diversion fitting by snap fitting a trim member to the base member after
securing the siding.

18. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 13 wherein the
oppositely sloped wings extend perpendicularly from the base plate.

19. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 13 wherein the
oppositely sloped wings extend outwardly and upwardly from the base plate
to longitudinal edges at an acute angle relative to the base plate so
that the longitudinal edges are located closer to the base plate than the
drip edge.

20. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 13 wherein the lower
segment extends downwardly from the oppositely sloped wings.

21. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 20 wherein the upper
flashing segment of the base plate extends upwardly from the elongated
shelf, the first and second end dams, and the oppositely sloped wings.

22. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 21 wherein the shelf
extends continuously from one to the other of the oppositely sloped wings
for collecting water from the lower edge of the mounting flange.

23. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 22 wherein the upper
flashing segment is flat from one to the other of the oppositely sloped
wings for disposition adjacent the lower edge of the mounting flange.

24. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 13 wherein the wings
slope downwardly toward the elongated shelf.

25. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 24 further comprising a
water run-off shelf extending downwardly from the drip edge and spaced
from the lower segment for directing water over the siding.

26. A water diversion fitting of a mounting bracket assembly having a
mounting flange for being secured to a substantially vertical sheathing
of an exterior wall covered with siding, the water diversion fitting
comprising:a base plate having an upper flashing segment configured to be
disposed between the substructure and a lower edge of the mounting flange
and a lower segment extending downwardly from the upper flashing segment
and configured to be fastened the sheathing;an elongated shelf
longitudinally extending horizontally and projecting laterally outward
from the lower segment to a longitudinal drip edge configured to be
disposed outward from the siding;a first end dam and an opposite second
end dam orientated at opposite ends of the shelf and connected between
the shelf and the base plate for channeling water over the drip
edge;oppositely sloped wings contiguous to the respective first and
second end dams and projecting outward from the base plate, the
oppositely sloped wings configured to be disposed below the lower edge
and sloping downwardly toward the elongated shelf for cascading water
from the lower drip edge upon the elongated shelf;the lower segment of
the base plate extending downwardly from the oppositely sloped wings;the
upper flashing segment of the base plate extending upwardly from the
elongated shelf, the first and second end dams, and the oppositely sloped
wings; andthe elongated shelf extending continuously from one to the
other of the oppositely sloped wings for collecting water from the lower
edge of the mounting flange.

27. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 26 wherein the
oppositely sloped wings extend perpendicularly from the base plate.

28. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 26 wherein the
oppositely sloped wings extend outwardly and upwardly from the base plate
to longitudinal edges at an acute angle relative to the base plate so
that the longitudinal edges are located closer to the base plate than the
drip edge.

29. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 26 further comprising a
water run-off shelf extending downwardly from the drip edge and spaced
from the lower segment for directing water over the siding.

30. The water diversion fitting set forth in claim 26 wherein the upper
flashing segment is flat from one to the other of the oppositely sloped
wings for disposition adjacent the lower edge of the mounting flange.

Description:

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This patent application claims priority to and all advantages of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/423,849 filed on Jun. 13, 2006, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/689,343
which was filed on Jun. 13, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]The subject invention generally relates to an exterior siding
mounting bracket assembly and more particularly to a water diversion
fitting used in conjunction with the mounting bracket for the diversion
of water and method of assembling the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003]Especially common in residential building structures, the sheathing
of exterior walls are known to be covered with a siding material
typically made of aluminum, plastic, cedar or other synthetic material
often made to appear like wood. Often, various exterior appendages of the
home such as cloths dryer vents, exterior light fixtures, electrical
outlets, and water spigots must be trimmed-out for aesthetic reasons.
This is commonly done with a mounting bracket. One such example of a
known mounting bracket is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,708, assigned to
the same assignee as the present invention and incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. The known mounting bracket has an internal
base member that snap fits to an external trim member along an axis
disposed perpendicular to the sheathing and during assembly. The base
member has a continuous flange that projects radially outward and is
typically nailed to the sheathing. Projecting axially or laterally
outward from the flange and to an inner central panel is a continuous
wall. Generally, the wall defines the perimeter of the central panel. A
cutout communicates through the panel and has a shape generally dictated
by the appendage projecting through it.

[0004]The trim member has a continuous partition that projects laterally
and axially inward toward the base member, and an aesthetically pleasing
flange that projects radially outward from the partition. An opening is
generally defined by the partition and receives the wall and panel when
the bracket is assembled. The partition is generally shaped to conform
with the wall. Multi-positional snap fit features are known to be carried
between a radially outward surface of the wall and a radially inward
surface of the partition. When the bracket is assembled, the close
proximity of the partition to the wall causes the feature to lock the
partition and wall together.

[0005]During construction of the building, once the base member is secured
to the wall, the siding material is installed over the wall and over the
flange. The siding, however, must be trimmed so that it is slightly
spaced from the continuous wall of the base member. This spacing allows
room for entry of the continuous partition of the trim piece, yet is
close enough to the wall so that the ends are aesthetically concealed by
the outer flange of the trim member which is substantially flush to the
siding. Unfortunately, the siding is typically exposed to rain or water
which flows down the siding and beneath the exterior flange. This water
can accumulate and seep into the concealed ends of the siding and seep
further down to the inner flange of the base member exposing the
sheathing to moisture. The retained moisture can potentially create a
host of problems including the rot of wood, disintegration of simulated
materials and the attraction of unwanted insects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0006]An exterior siding mounting bracket assembly used in conjunction
with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member
having a mounting flange fastened to the sheathing and a water diversion
fitting also fastened to the sheathing and flashed in-part beneath the
lower end of the mounting flange. A wall arrangement projects laterally
outward from the mounting flange and away from the sheathing. A trim
member of the bracket assembly has a partition arrangement that
preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange
constructed and arranged to substantially cover the water diversion
fitting and the cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the mounting
flange. Preferably, the water diversion fitting has an elongated drip
edge spaced outwardly from the siding to shed water collected from
generally cascaded from the mounting flange and outward from the siding.

[0007]Preferably, the water diversion fitting has a back panel having an
upper segment that is orientated at least in-part beneath left and right
portions of the mounting flange. A substantially horizontal shelf of the
fitting carries the distal drip edge and is spaced below the wall
arrangement. Sloped wings at both ends of the shelf of the fitting catch
water cascaded from the side portions and diverts the flow upon the
shelf. Both ends of the shelf have water dams to assure all water flows
over the drip edge and not over the ends of the shelf. Preferably, a
series of sloped ribs are formed on each side portion of the mounting
flange to further channel water radially inward and generally against the
wall arrangement.

[0008]Features, advantages and benefits of the present invention include a
mounting bracket assembly with improved water shedding capabilities that
eliminates or reduces exposure of the sheathing to moisture that could
cause damage to structural material and potentially attract unwanted
insects. Other advantages include the reduction or elimination of
structural maintenance, a bracket assembly design that is relatively
simple, robust and versatile, and a bracket assembly that is inexpensive
to manufacture and easy to install.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the
following detailed description when considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings wherein:

[0010]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting bracket
assembly embodying the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a front view of a water diversion fitting of the bracket
assembly;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a side view of the water diversion fitting;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base member of the bracket
assembly;

[0014]FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the base member taken from
circle 5 of FIG. 4;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly with a trim
member removed to show internal detail;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a side view of the bracket assembly with the trim member
removed;

[0017]FIG. 8 is a front view of the bracket assembly;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a cross section of the bracket assembly taken along line
9-9 of FIG. 8;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified water diversion fitting;

[0020]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the modified water diversion
fitting orientated to a modified version of the base member; and

[0021]FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the modified base member
taken from circle 12 of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022]As best illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, a mounting bracket assembly 20
embodying the present invention generally projects or is exposed through
exterior siding (not shown) of a substantially vertical wall of any
variety of buildings or residential structures exposed to inclement
weather such as rain and generally water runoff. The assembly 20 provides
an aesthetically pleasing surface for which any variety of exterior
components can be easily mounted or project therefrom. Such components
include but are not limited to hose spigots, electrical receptacles,
clothes dryer vents, and light fixtures.

[0023]The assembly 20 is fastened to a substructure of the exterior wall
preferably prior to placement of the siding. The substructure is
generally an underlayment or sheathing that is preferably covered with
the siding material. The mounting bracket assembly 20 is generally
self-flashing for the prevention of water seepage beneath the siding. The
assembly 20 preferably has water diversion fitting 22 and a mounting
bracket 24 both preferably and independently secured to the sheathing.
The mounting bracket 24 has a base member 26 secured to the sheathing and
a trim member 28 that preferably snap fits to the base member 26 along an
axis 30 preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the sheathing.

[0024]The base member 26 has mounting flange 32 and a preferably
continuous wall arrangement 34 (see FIGS. 4-6). The flange 32 projects
radially outward from the wall arrangement 34 and is typically nailed to
the sheathing. The wall arrangement 34 projects axially or laterally
outward from the flange 32 and preferably to a radially inward central
panel 36 spaced from and orientated substantially parallel to the
underlayment. Generally, the central panel 36 is that portion of the base
member 26 that is exposed through the siding with the wall arrangement 34
defining or carrying a perimeter 38 of the central panel 36 at it's
distal edge. A cutout 40 preferably communicates through the panel 36 and
has a shape generally dictated by the component or appendage projecting
through it (not shown).

[0025]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8-9, the trim member 28 preferably has a
continuous partition arrangement 42 that projects laterally and/or
axially inward toward the base member 26, and an aesthetically pleasing
exterior flange 44 that projects radially outward from the partition
arrangement 42. The partition arrangement 42 is generally shaped to
conform with the wall arrangement 34. Multi-positional snap fit features
(not shown) are preferably carried between a radially outward surface 46
of the wall arrangement 34 and a radially inward surface 48 of the
partition arrangement 42. When the bracket 24 is assembled, the close
proximity of the partition arrangement 42 to the wall arrangement 34
causes the feature to lock the partition and wall arrangements together
at an axial orientation generally dictated by the thickness of the
siding.

[0026]Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 6-7, preferably the wall arrangement 34
of the base member 26 forms a rectangular or square shape having a left
side wall 50, a right side wall 52, a top wall 54 and a bottom wall 56.
The side wall 50, 52 are substantially vertical and the top and bottom
wall 54, 56 are substantially horizontal. The top wall 54 extends
longitudinally between top ends of respective left and right side walls
50, 52 thus having a longitudinal length that is generally equal to a
spatial distance 58 measured between the side walls 50, 52 (see FIG. 6).
The flange 32 of the base member 26 has a left portion 60 associated with
the left side wall 50, a right portion 62 associated with the right side
wall 52, a top portion 64 associated with the top wall 54, and preferably
a removable bottom portion 66 associated with the bottom wall 56. One
skilled in the art, however, would now realize that the continuous wall
arrangement 34 may take the form of any shape including but not limited
to that of a circle, oval, octagon and hexagon. Moreover, one skilled in
the art would also now realize that the bottom wall 56 could be omitted
because it does not necessarily contribute toward water drain-off,
however, rigidity of the central panel 36 could potentially be degraded.

[0027]Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8-9, preferably the partition arrangement
42 of the trim member 28 conforms generally in shape to the wall
arrangement 34, thus preferably having a left side partition 68, a right
side partition 70, a top partition 72 and a bottom partition 74. The side
partitions 68, 70 are substantially vertical and the top and bottom
partitions 72, 74 are substantially horizontal. The aesthetically
pleasing exterior flange 44 of the trim member 28 has a left portion 76
associated with the left side partition 68, a right portion 78 associated
with the right side partition 70, a top portion 80 associated with the
top partition 72, and preferably a bottom portion 82 associated with the
bottom partition 74.

[0028]Referring to FIG. 4, water channeling characteristics or oppositely
sloped ribs 86, 88 of the mounting bracket 24 are preferably formed into
all portions 60, 62, 64, 66 of the mounting flange 32 of the base member
26 so that the member 26 can be selectively mounted to the sheathing in
one of two positions. The two positions are rotationally displaced by
about ninety degrees from each other with respect to the axis 30. That
is, the left portion 60 could be the bottom portion (not illustrated) if
selected. For simplicity of explanation, the ribs 86, 88 shall be
described relative to the left and right portions 60, 62 only, since the
ribs 86, 88 formed to the top and bottom portion 64, 66 generally serve
no functional purpose once the position of the mounting position of the
base member 26 is selected by the installer.

[0029]The first set of ribs 86 each have a negative slope at preferably
about forty-five degrees, and are generally stacked and spaced vertically
from one-another. Each rib 86 extends longitudinally between an outer end
90 proximate to the radially outward periphery of the left portion 60 of
the flange 32 and an opposite inner end 92 located below and radially
inward from the outer end 90 with respect to axis 30. The inner end 92 is
spaced radially outward from the left side wall 50 of the wall
arrangement 34 to prevent water damming or collection beneath the siding
and generally between the rib 86 and the left side wall 50. The second
set of ribs 88 each have a positive slope at preferably about forty-five
degrees, and are generally stacked and spaced vertically from
one-another. Each rib 88 extends longitudinally between an outer end 94
proximate to the radially outward periphery of the right portion 62 of
the flange 32 and an opposite inner end 96 located below and radially
inward from the outer end 94 with respect to axis 30. The inner end 96 is
spaced radially outward from the right side wall 52 of the wall
arrangement 34 to prevent water damming or collection beneath the siding
and generally between the rib 88 and the right side wall 52.

[0030]In operation and during inclement weather, water intrusion, or rain,
water cascading down the siding from above the mounting bracket 24 will
flow beneath the exterior flange 44. A portion of this water may flow
between the cut ends of the siding and the respective left and right side
walls 50, 52 of the base member 26. The propagation of this water in a
radially outward direction with respect to axis 30 and beneath the siding
is restricted via the ribs 86, 88 which channel the water radially inward
and against the respective side walls 50, 52. The ribs 86, 88 also
function to space the siding slightly outward from the mounting flange 32
thus preventing water damming directly between the back side of the
siding and the flange 32 that could cause moisture propagation in an
unwanted radially outward direction instead of the desirable downward
direction. The cascading water flowing downward from the ribs 86, 88
generally falls or is captured by the water diversion fitting 22 disposed
below.

[0031]Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6-7, the water diversion fitting 22 is
orientated partially beneath and below the base member 26, and as such is
generally "flashed" to the base member for receiving gravity fed water
run-off generally from the left and right portions 60, 62 of the flange
32 of the base member. Preferably, the fitting 22 has a backing panel 98
having an upper flashing segment 100 that is generally tucked beneath the
lower ends of the left and right portions 60, 62 of the flange 32 and
preferably beneath the bottom wall 56 of the wall arrangement 34.
Projecting laterally outward from the panel 98 and extending
longitudinally along and spaced beneath the bottom wall 56 is a water
run-off shelf 102 that carries a distal drip edge 104 orientated outward
from the siding and spaced slightly inward from the bottom portion 82 of
the external flange 44.

[0032]Contiguous to each end of the shelf 102 and the panel 98 are left
and right end dams 106, 108, and preferably contiguous to the panel 98
and the left and right end dams 106, 108 are respective left and right
wings 110, 112. The end dams 106, 108 are spaced apart from one-another
by a distance 113 that is preferably slightly greater than the distance
58 between the wall portions 50, 52 (see FIGS. 2 and 6). Preferably, the
wings 110, 112 extend radially outward and upward to distal ends 114, 116
located generally directly beneath the outer ends 90, 94 of the
respective ribs 86, 88 or located proximate to the radial outer periphery
of the left and right portions 60, 62. Water shedding from the left and
right ribs 86, 88 flows into the channels 118,120, is directed over the
respective end dams 106, 108, and flows upon the shelf 102. Preferably,
the lateral projection of the shelf 102 is angled downward so that water
cascaded upon the shelf quickly and efficiently flows over the drip edge
104 and preferably clear of the siding below.

[0033]Preferably, the left and right wings 110, 112 have longitudinal
edges 115, 117 that substantially lie in an imaginary plane with the drip
edge 104. The wings 110, 112 are orientated at about a right angle with
respect to the panel 98.

[0034]During assembly of the mounting bracket assembly 20, a lower segment
122 of the panel 98 located beneath the shelf 102 and wings 110, 112 is
fastened to the sheathing preferably with conventional fasteners such as
nails or screws inserted through holes 124 in the lower segment.
Preferably, the bottom portion 66 of the base member 26 is removed
preferably with the use of a cutter or snips along dotted line identified
as 125 in FIG. 4. Removal of the bottom portion 66 enables positioning of
the water diversion fitting 22 beneath the exterior flange 44 for
aesthetic purposes. The trimmed base member 26 is then placed over the
fitting 22 and the remaining mounting flange 32 is fastened to the
sheathing at a location preferably spaced substantially above the fitting
22. Preferably the upper ends of the left and right portions 60, 62 or
the upper corners of the mounting flange 32 carry holes 124 for receipt
of nails or screws for this attachment.

[0035]With the base member 26 and fitting 22 secured to the sheathing, the
siding is appropriately trimmed during installation so that the shelf
102, the left and right wings 110, 112 of the fitting 22 and the wall
arrangement 34 of the base member 26 are disposed radially inward from
the siding and project axially outward therefrom. The siding material is
installed over sheathing and over the flange 32. The siding, however,
must be trimmed or cut to create a gap between the cut ends and the side
walls 50, 52 of the continuous wall arrangement 34 of the base member 26.
This gap allows room for entry of the side partitions 68, 70 of the
continuous partition arrangement 42 of the trim member 28, yet is close
enough to the wall so that the cut ends are aesthetically concealed by
the exterior flange 44 of the trim member 28 which is substantially flush
to the siding.

[0036]After installation of the siding, the trim member 28 is preferably
snap fitted to the base member 26 thereby covering the cut ends of the
siding and the fitting 22 for a pleasing appearance. Fitting of the base
member 26 to the trim member 28 can be done in any variety of ways
including that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,431 assigned to the
assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference in
it's entirety. The base member 26, the fitting 22 and the trim member 28
are preferably separate components and individually formed of injection
molded plastic.

[0037]One skilled in the art would now know that a base member 26 can be
manufactured with the ribs 86, 88 and without the bottom portion 66 of
the flange 32 thus alleviating the installation step of cutting off the
bottom portion. This however would dedicate the assembly 20 to one
installation position only. Moreover, one skilled in the art would now
know that the fitting 22 and the base member 26 can be formed as one
unitary piece, however, this would also dedicate the assembly 20 to a
singular installation position. The water diversion fitting 22 is
versatile because it can be used in conjunction with mounting brackets
known to be on the market albeit without ribs 86, 88.

[0038]Referring to FIG. 10, a modification of a water diversion fitting
22' is illustrated wherein like elements of the first embodiment have the
same identifying numerals except with the addition of a single prime
symbol. The water diversion fitting 22' has left and right wings 110',
112' which are orientated with an upper segment 100' of a panel 98' to
generally form an acute angle. The acute angles generally form respective
troughs or channels 118, 120 to enhance the redirection of water flow
upon a shelf 102'. The enhanced channeling of water provided by the
troughs 118, 120 is such that longitudinal edges 115', 117' can be
located closer to the panel 98' than a drip edge 104' carried by a shelf
102'.

[0039]Referring to FIGS. 11-12, a second modification of a base member
26'' is illustrated wherein like elements of the first embodiment have
the same identifying numerals except with the addition of a double prime
symbol. The base member 26'' generally has much wider ribs 86'', 88''
than base member 26 thus producing the appearance of a peripheral channel
132 that circles and is defined in part by a wall arrangement 34'' and a
series of communicating slots 134 that are preferably tapered or become
deeper as the slots 134 extend radially inward toward the channel 132 for
biasing water flow in a radially inward direction. A plurality of bosses
or cornices 130 project axially outward from the mounting flange 32'' and
are preferably proximate to each corner of the wall arrangement 34'' and
spaced radially outward from the arrangement generally by the continuous
channel 132. The cornices 130 restrict axial insertion of the trim member
(not shown) upon the base member 26'' thus preventing the partition
arrangement of the trim member from obstructing water flow in the channel
132.

[0040]The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it
is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended
to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are
possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be
understood that reference numerals are utilized merely for convenience
and are not to be limiting in any way, and that the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described.